ALBERTA CITY, Ala. (WIAT) — City leaders and first responders came to Alberta Elementary School to read a very familiar true story.

In every classroom was something uncharacteristic of children: it was so silent you could hear a pin drop.

“The kids could not keep their eyes off the book, and one of the great things about this class, they were so motivated,” said Kip Tyner. “When I read a book, I like to ask questions to the kids, and they were quick. All the hands went up. The whole book.”

The fourth and fifth graders remember three years ago when their school was destroyed.

But this year, it’s different. They have something to celebrate – a homecoming in January.